TPO surgery - both legs

[ApricotExpat]

Does anyone have experience of a big dog (38kg) and recovery after TPO surgery?

Our dog had the first leg operated on in November and whilst it has been successful, it was a long recovery and much more of an ordeal for him than we thought it would be. He now needs the other leg operated on. He’s six years old and it’s the only option to have a decent quality of life. But it does seem so unkind on him, in the short term.

Has anyone got any success stories? Do you think it’s the right thing to do?

Thank you for your thoughts!

You may find as he is stronger on the side which has already recovered from the surgery it may help him to have an easier time following the second op.

I would accept a slow recovery to ensure the dog can then go on a have a quality life long term. The key is good pain relief and I am a great believer in hydrotherapy as a recovery tool (not the type on a treadmill, the type where the hydrotherapist is in the water with the dog).

Yes it is a major op, but 6 years old is an age where full recovery will follow. Let the dog lead on how they recover, small steps and pain free before progressing to anything else.

Not what you asked as he was under 10kg but my old terrier ruptured both cruciate ligaments, three months apart, when he was 13. As he was a senior lad and very laid back we opted not to have surgery, he recovered perfectly well with crate rest, and lived until he was almost 18. At six your dog still has a future. Good luck!

Thank you both of you. Very positive.

We’ll book in for the operation and take it slow and steady!